KSO holds special meaning for Kadena family

Marlee McDaniel poses with her medal at Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Marlee is the 7-year-old daughter of the 18th Wing vice commander Col. Brian McDaniel and is participating in KSO for the first time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers)

KSO holds special meaning for Kadena family

Marlee McDaniel, daughter of U.S. Air Force Col. Brain McDaniel, 18th Wing vice commander, shows off her medal to her sister and Hugger after she participated in the 30 meter dash a the the Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Marlee is participating in KSO for the first time this year and also participated in the 30 meter dash, and softball throw. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers)

Athletes, artists participate in Kadena Special Olympics

Koki Moromi, a special-needs athlete, receives a first-place gold medal from Col. Jeffrey Ullman, 18th Mission Support commander, after placing first in the 200-meter dash event during the Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. The Kadena Special Olympics is a one-day sporting and entertainment event with more than 1,500 athletes special needs athletes and artists participating in a day of competition, music and special recognition. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis)

Athletes, artists participate in Kadena Special Olympics

Special-needs athletes take off during the 200-meter dash event center during Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. Kadena Special Olympics was established in 2000 by the 18th Wing commander as an avenue to build relations with neighboring communities, while providing a meaningful activity for the special needs children and adults. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis)

Athletes, artists participate in Kadena Special Olympics

Tatsuyuki Higa, the torch runner, poses after lighting the Kadena Special Olympics torch during the opening Ceremonies of the 13th annual KSO on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. More than 5,000 people attended KSO festivities including nearly 1,000 American volunteers and 500 local national interpreters, along with senior officials from the Government of Japan, Okinawa Prefectural Government, local communities and the U.S. military. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis)

Athletes, artists participate in Kadena Special Olympics

Service members from across the Okinawa walk with Tatsuyuki Higa, the torch runner, during the opening ceremonies for the 13th annual Kadena Special Olympics on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17, 2012. The Kadena Special Olympics is a one-day sporting and entertainment event with more than 1,500 special-needs athletes and artists participating in a day of competition, music and special recognition. Some of the events featured this year include: running events, wheelchair events, tennis, basketball, floor hockey demonstration, and many other track and field events. An art exhibit showcasing the artwork of nearly 600 special-needs artists was open for viewing throughout the day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis)